TORRINGTON >> After only one year in business, The Arts Desire has become part of the fabric of Torrington’s arts community. They commemorated their one-year “artiversary” with art vendors, live music and Hardcore Sweet Cupcakes.

The Arts Desire, an art supplies and gift shop located at 41 Main St., opened their doors to the public from 5 to 9 p.m. on Saturday night. Owners and sisters Lisa Stepler and Jessica Washington welcomed visitors to walk through their shop and check out the work of the local artists who set up tables in the space adjacent to their store. The event was catered by Ciesco Catering.

Hardcore Sweet Cupcakes set up outside and sold a variety of tasty treats including a specialty “Arts Desire” cupcake.

“They create a venue for local artists in the community to get exposure and allows local people to support local artists,” said Kate Stephen, who was selling her handmade jewelry on site.

Throughout their first year of business the sisters, both Torrington natives, have displayed the work of many local artists and expanded their fine art supplies, which Washington said has been great for their business.

“They sell art supplies, which is new for the area,” said Julia Sloan, owner of Brazen Betties. “There’s more momentum in Torrington than ever before.”

The Arts Desire has been a part of that momentum and plans to continue it into their second year of business.

“We haven’t had any negative feedback, only positive,” Washington said of their first year. “It’s been great.”

In the year ahead the sisters are hoping to expand into the space next to their current store. They’re only in the discussion phase but it’s an exciting possibility.

“It will give us more of a presence and bring more people into downtown,” said Washington. “That’s what we’re trying to do, bring people downtown.”

About the Author

Kate Hartman works as a writer for Connecticut Magazine and formerly covered the towns of Harwinton, Burlington, New Hartford, Barkhamsted and Canton for The Register Citizen. Reach the author at khartman@registercitizen.com
or follow Kate on Twitter: @CTMagKate.